Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network. Current optical fiber-based access network technologies are multiplexed onto the same fiber for delivery via a common Optical Distribution Network (ODN). Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to combining (using optical multiplexing and power splitting) two or more optical user-technologies onto a single Passive Optical Network (PON) while maintaining an independent serving group size and operational independence for each of the combined user-technologies. The disclosed methods and apparatus allow the so-called “outside plant” architecture (i.e., the fiber optic infrastructure from the headend to the customer premises) to be independent of the user-technologies and network architecture that are provided via the outside plant.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityto co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/614,446 filed on Jun. 5,2017 of the same title, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 10,045,100 on Aug. 7,2018, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority toco-owned U.S. patent application Ser. NO. 9,674,591 on Jun. 6, 2017,each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

1. Technological Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of content and/ordata delivery over a network. More particularly, the present disclosureis related, in one exemplary aspect, to methods and apparatus forasymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network, such as apassive optical network (PON). In one exemplary embodiment, a PON isconfigured to deliver different services (e.g., Ethernet over PON (EPON)and Radio Frequency over Glass (RFoG)) to differently sized servicegroups, via a common fiber optic plant.

2. Description of Related Technology

The provision of content to a plurality of subscribers in a contentdistribution network is well known in the prior art. In a typicalconfiguration, the content is distributed to the subscribers devicesover any number of different topologies including for example: (i)Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) network, which may include e.g., dense wavedivision multiplexed (DWDM) optical portions, coaxial cable portions,and other types of bearer media; (ii) satellite network (e.g., from anorbital entity to a user's STB via a satellite dish); (iii) opticalfiber distribution networks such as e.g., “Fiber to the X” or FTTx(which may include for example FTTH, FTTC, FTTN, and FTTB variantsthereof); (iv) Hybrid Fiber/copper or “HFCu” networks (e.g., afiber-optic distribution network, with node or last-mile delivery beingover installed POTS/PSTN phone wiring or CAT-5 cabling); (v)microwave/millimeter wave systems; etc.

Service providers, and more specifically, multiple system operators(MSOs), continually strive to increase the data capacity of theirnetworks to increase revenue. Many MSOs have migrated to opticaltechnologies by replacing the coax portion of existing Hybrid Fiber Coax(HFC) networks with a single-fiber Passive Optical Network (PON).Exemplary networks utilize different optical wavelengths in thedownstream (e.g., to the consumer premises) and upstream directions(e.g., from the consumer premises). Typically, optical networks use 1550nm, 1490 nm, and 1577 nm in the downstream direction, and 1310 nm, 1270nm, and 1610 nm in the upstream direction. The upstream return pathallows the fiber infrastructure to support both RFoG (Radio Frequencyover Glass) and PONs simultaneously.

In conventional Optical Distribution Networks (ODNs), so-called OpticalNetwork Units (ONUs) (also referred to RFoG ONUs (R-ONUs), OpticalNetwork Terminals (ONTs) and/or “micronodes” in RFoG networks) aretypically deployed at each of multiple customer premises locations. In aconventional optical network, a single strand of optical fiber istypically shared among multiple downstream ONUs (typically 32, but othernumbers are possible). In the downstream direction, a light splittingresource divides downstream light power to the ONUs such that a portionof the downstream light power is transmitted to each ONU. Each of theONUs receives light containing identical information in the downstreamdirection (from the service provider to a corresponding subscribercustomer). Typically, a signal analyzer analyzes the received signal todetermine which data is directed to the corresponding subscriber. Incertain instances, a portion of content encoded on a respectivedownstream optical signal can include data available for consumption bymultiple subscribers.

For upstream transmissions (customer to service provider), each of theONUs can include a respective laser transmitter that is manufactured toidentical specifications. As such, the transmitters transmit on the sameor nearly identical wavelength of light in the upstream direction to theservice provider. Even though two transmitters on the same wavelengthcannot transmit at the same time; two transmitters on differentwavelengths can transmit at the same time. Each wavelength is separatelyreceived by a corresponding receiver. An optical detection device in theupstream optical receiver converts the optical signal into a respectiveelectrical output that is proportional to the instantaneous sum of thecombined optical powers contributed by the two lasers.

Installation of fiber optics is very expensive, thus ODN infrastructuresmultiplex multiple optical services over the same underlying optical“plant” (i.e., physical infrastructure). Specifically, existing schemesfor multiplexing and combining optical signals assume the same servicegroup size for all the signals being transmitted on the ODN/PON.Unfortunately, while each user-technology is treated uniformly in termsof physical distribution, each user-technology has specific requirementsand cost structures. Consequently, some services are over-subscribed,while other services are under-subscribed. For example, consumers thatreceive RFoG services also receive Ethernet over PON (EPON) services,even though RFoG is more profitable and can support more users thanEPON.

Coupling different user-technologies together also significantlycomplicates repair, maintenance, and upgrades to capital equipment. Inparticular, changes in the configuration of one user-technology willresult in a disruption of service to the other coupleduser-technologies. For example, a change in the EPON service group sizemight force a disruption to the customers using Coarse WavelengthDivision Multiplexing (CWDM) Ethernet, the latter of which are usuallyhigher-value customers).

Ideally, service providers seek to optimize different user-technologyservices (e.g., EPON, RFoG, etc.) so as to maximize customerexpectations, within the operating constraints of the ODN. Inparticular, rather than splitting all user-technology services out toall users indiscriminately, each user or service group (e.g., aneighborhood, etc.) should receive only the services to which they havesubscribed and/or can be delivered in a cost efficient manner. Moregenerally, solutions are needed for asymmetric distribution of mixedcontent via a network, such as a passive optical network.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the foregoing needs by disclosing,inter alia, methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixedcontent via a network.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for asymmetricdistribution of mixed content via a passive optical network isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: receiving aplurality of different content; dividing a plurality of differentsubscribers into a plurality of service groups; combining said outputsof various ones of said plurality of different service group sizingsplitters; and delivering said combined outputs via an outside plant(OSP) to said plurality of different subscribers.

In one variant, said plurality of different content comprises one ormore of 1 Gbps Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON), 10 Gbps EPON,Radio Frequency over Glass (RFoG), 1 Gbps Ethernet, and/or 10 GbpsEthernet signals.

In a second variant, said combining of said outputs of various ones ofsaid plurality of different service group sizing splitters comprises afirst combination of contents and a second combination of contents; andsaid delivering said combined outputs comprises delivering said firstcombination to a first service group of said plurality of service groupsand delivering said second combination to a second service group of saidplurality of service groups. In one such variant, said first combinationcomprises residential user content and the second combination comprisescommercial user content.

In another variant, said combining comprises a passive combination oftwo or more content.

In a fourth variant, said combining comprises an active combination oftwo or more content.

In a fifth variant, said combining is based on one or more networkconsiderations. In one such case, said combining is dynamicallyperformed. Alternatively, said combining may be performed manually by aservice technician.

In another variant, said dividing said plurality of differentsubscribers into a plurality of service groups comprises one or moreasymmetric groups.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus configured todistribute mixed content asymmetrically via a network is described. Inone embodiment, the apparatus includes: a plurality of upstreaminterfaces configured to receive content from one or more activecomponents; a plurality of downstream interfaces configured to transmitone or more combined content via an outside plant (OSP); an array ofserving group sizing splitters configured to split said received contentfrom one or more active components into a number of outputs; and anarray of passive optical network combining multiplexers (PCMs), whereineach PCM is configured to combine various ones of said number of outputsinto corresponding ones of said one or more combined content.

In one such variant, at least two of said corresponding ones of said oneor more combined content comprise different content.

In a second such variant, said number of outputs corresponds to one ormore service groups targeted by said received content.

In another such implementation, said array of PCMs are configured tocombine said number of outputs for distribution to said one or moreservice groups.

In a fourth variant, said one or more service groups targeted by saidreceived content is determined based on one or more networkconsiderations.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computerreadable apparatus is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, thenon-transitory computer readable apparatus comprises one or moreinstructions which when executed causes a processor to: dynamicallydivide a plurality of subscribers into a plurality of service groups;dynamically determine one or more content targeted for at least one ofsaid plurality of service groups; configure at least one service groupsizing splitter to provide said one or more content to a passive opticalnetwork combining multiplexer (PCM); and wherein said PCM is configuredto combine said one or more content and transmit said combined one ormore content to said at least one of said plurality of service groups.

In one variant, said dynamic division of said plurality of subscribersis based on a network consideration.

In a second variant, said at least one of said plurality of servicegroups comprises a fixed set of subscribers. In one case, said fixed setof subscribers comprise residential users. In another such case, saidfixed set of subscribers is determined based on a physical structure ofan outside plant (OSP).

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for distributingdigital content via a passive optical network (PON) is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the method includes: receiving a plurality of digitalcontent elements from at least one first optical splitter; combining theplurality of digital content elements to produce a plurality of combinedoutputs; and delivering the plurality of combined outputs via at leasttwo second optical splitters to a plurality of user premises accordingto at least two split ratios associated with respective ones of the atleast two second optical splitters.

These and other aspects become apparent when considered in light of thedisclosure provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary HFC cablenetwork configuration useful with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1a is a functional block diagram illustrating one exemplary localservice node configuration useful with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1b is a functional block diagram illustrating one exemplarypacketized content delivery network architecture useful with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a logical flow diagram of one generalized method forasymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network.

FIG. 3 is a logical block diagram of a generalized asymmetric splittingapparatus configured to asymmetrically distribute a plurality of mixedcontent via a network.

FIG. 4 is a logical block diagram representation of one exemplaryoptical distribution network (ODN), useful in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a logical block diagram representation of one exemplarypassive optical network (PON) combining block, useful in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a logical block diagram representation of one exemplary PONcombining multiplexer (PCM), useful in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6A-6C are logical block diagram representations of three (3)distinct implementations of an exemplary customer premises filter (CPF),useful in accordance with the present disclosure.

All Figures © Copyright 2015 Time Warner Cable, Inc. All rightsreserved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

As used herein, the term “application” refers generally and withoutlimitation to a unit of executable software that implements a certainfunctionality or theme. The themes of applications vary broadly acrossany number of disciplines and functions (such as on-demand contentmanagement, e-commerce transactions, brokerage transactions, homeentertainment, calculator etc.), and one application may have more thanone theme. The unit of executable software generally runs in apredetermined environment; for example, the unit could include adownloadable Java Xlet™ that runs within the JavaTV™ environment.

As used herein, the terms “client device” and “end user device” include,but are not limited to, set top boxes (e.g., DSTBs), personal computers(PCs), and minicomputers, whether desktop, laptop, or otherwise, andmobile devices such as handheld computers, tablets, “phablets”, PDAs,personal media devices (PMDs), and smartphones.

As used herein, the term “computer program” or “software” is meant toinclude any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which performa function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programminglanguage or environment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL,PASCAL, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML,VoXML), and the like, as well as object-oriented environments such asthe Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Java™ (includingJ2ME, Java Beans, etc.), Binary Runtime Environment (e.g., BREW), andthe like.

The term “Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)” refers to any type ofelectronic equipment located within a customer's or user's premises andconnected to a network, such as set-top boxes (e.g., DSTBs or IPTVdevices), televisions, cable modems (CMs), embedded multimedia terminaladapters (eMTAs), whether stand-alone or integrated with other devices,Digital Video Recorders (DVR), gateway storage devices (Furnace), andITV Personal Computers.

As used herein, the term “display” means any type of device adapted todisplay information, including without limitation CRTs, LCDs, TFTs,plasma displays, LEDs, OLEDs, incandescent and fluorescent devices.Display devices may also include less dynamic devices such as, forexample, printers, e-ink devices, and the like.

As used herein, the terms “Internet” and “internet” are usedinterchangeably to refer to inter-networks including, withoutlimitation, the Internet.

As used herein, the term “memory” or “storage” includes any type ofintegrated circuit or other storage device adapted for storing digitaldata including, without limitation, ROM. PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM,DDR/2 SDRAM, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM, “flash” memory (e.g., NAND/NOR),and PSRAM.

As used herein, the terms “microprocessor” and “digital processor” aremeant generally to include all types of digital processing devicesincluding, without limitation, digital signal processors (DSPs), reducedinstruction set computers (RISC), general-purpose (CISC) processors,microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g., FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable computefabrics (RCFs), array processors, and application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs). Such digital processors may be contained on a singleunitary IC die, or distributed across multiple components.

As used herein, the terms “MSO” or “multiple systems operator” referwithout limitation to a cable, satellite, or terrestrial networkprovider having infrastructure required to deliver services includingprogramming and data over those mediums.

As used herein, the terms “network” and “bearer network” refer generallyto any type of telecommunications or data network including, withoutlimitation, hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks, satellite networks, telconetworks, and data networks (including MANs, WANs, LANs, WLANs,internets, and intranets). Such networks or portions thereof may utilizeany one or more different topologies (e.g., ring, bus, star, loop,etc.), transmission media (e.g., wired/RF cable, RF wireless, millimeterwave, optical, etc.) and/or communications or networking protocols(e.g., SONET, DOCSIS, IEEE Std. 802.3, ATM, X.25, Frame Relay, 3GPP,3GPP2, LTE/LTE-A, WAP, SIP, UDP, FTP, RTP/RTCP, H.323, etc.).

As used herein, the term “network interface” refers to any signal ordata interface with a component or network including, withoutlimitation, those of the Firewire (e.g., FW400, FW800, etc.), USB (e.g.,USB2), Ethernet (e.g., 10/100, 10/100/1000 (Gigabit Ethernet), 10-Gig-E,etc.), MoCA, Serial ATA (e.g., SATA, e-SATA, SATAII), Ultra-ATA/DMA,Coaxsys (e.g., TVnet™), radio frequency tuner (e.g., in-band or OOB,cable modem, etc.), Wi-Fi (802.11a,b,g,n), Wi-MAX (802.16), PAN(802.15), cellular (e.g., LTE/LTE-A, 3GPP, 3GPP2, UMTS), or IrDAfamilies.

As used herein, the term “Optical Distribution Network (ODN)” refers to,without limitation, any fiber-optic network that multiplexes upstreamand/or downstream optical signals onto an optical fiber and distributesthose signals to one or more users. In one exemplary embodiment, an ODNaugments and/or substitutes for Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) networks usedfor transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals. Other common uses ofODNs include without limitation: Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET),Optical Transport Network (OTN), Ethernet, etc.

As used herein, the term “outside plant” (OSP) refers to, withoutlimitation, any physical plant which exists between a logicaldemarcation point at the service provider and a logical demarcationpoint located at the customer premises. The OSP generally includes atrunk fiber(s), drop fiber(s), optical splitter(s) and similarcomponents, and the supporting infrastructure such as conduit(s),pole(s), cabinet(s), etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the logicalservice provider demarcation point is a PON combining block and thelogical customer premises demarcation point is an enclosure installedand maintained by the network provider (such as the Assignee hereof).

As used herein, the term “Passive Optical Network (PON)” refers to aspecific ODN/OSP design for fiber-optic distribution that follows apoint-to-multipoint (tree-like) topology. While PONs are based on atree-based network topology, those of ordinary skill in the relatedarts, given the contents of the present disclosure, will readilyappreciate that the various principles described herein may be readilyadapted to other network topologies. Common examples of networktopologies include without limitation: ring, mesh, tree, star, bus, etc.

As used herein, the term “server” refers to any computerized component,system or entity regardless of form which is adapted to provide data,files, applications, content, or other services to one or more otherdevices or entities on a computer network.

As used herein, the term “user interface” refers to, without limitation,any visual, graphical, tactile, audible, sensory, or other means ofproviding information to and/or receiving information from a user orother entity.

As used herein, the term “Wi-Fi” refers to, without limitation, any ofthe variants of IEEE-Std. 802.11 or related standards including 802.11a/b/g/n/v.

As used herein, the term “wireless” means any wireless signal, data,communication, or other interface including without limitation Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, 3G (3GPP/3GPP2), HSDPA/HSUPA, TDMA, CDMA (e.g., IS-95A,WCDMA, etc.), FHSS, DSSS, GSM, PAN/802.15, WiMAX (802.16), 802.20, NFC(e.g., ISO 14443A/B), narrowband/FDMA, OFDM, PCS/DCS, LTE/LTE-A/TD-LTE,analog cellular, Zigbee, CDPD, satellite systems, millimeter wave ormicrowave systems, acoustic, and infrared (i.e., IrDA).

Overview

Current user-technologies (such as Ethernet over Passive OpticalNetworks (EPON), Gigabit Ethernet PON (GPON), Radio Frequency over Glass(RFoG), Coarse Wave Division Multiplexing (CWDM) Ethernet and Dense WaveDivision Multiplexing (DWDM) Ethernet, etc.) are fiber-based accessnetwork technologies that are multiplexed onto the same fiber fordelivery via a common Optical Distribution Network (ODN). Variousembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to combining (usingoptical multiplexing and power splitting) two or more opticaluser-technologies onto a single Passive Optical Network (PON) whilemaintaining an independent serving group size and operationalindependence for each of the combined user-technologies. The disclosedmethods and apparatus allow the so-called “outside plant” architecture(i.e., the fiber optic infrastructure from the headend to the customerpremises) to be independent of the user-technologies and networkarchitecture that are provided via the outside plant.

Selective provision of user-technologies to each service group allowseach technology to operate independent of the others and independent ofthe outside plant infrastructure. More generally, as described ingreater detail hereinafter, decoupling user-technologies from servicegroups enables finer control of user-technology deployment to servicegroups and ultimately customers. Targeted service deployments reduceover-subscription and under-subscription issues, thus improving overallrevenue while simultaneously reducing unnecessary network overhead.Additionally, decoupling user-technologies from service groups reducesthe number of outages due to repairs, maintenance, or upgrades totechnology that would otherwise affect commonly distributedtechnologies. Finally, those of ordinary skill in the related arts willreadily appreciate, given the contents of the present disclosure, thatthe disclosed schemes preserve or enhance the fiber utilization (moreusers per fiber) of the ODN.

In one exemplary embodiment, EPON and GPON are used for commercial andresidential delivery of Internet access and delivery of Ethernet-basedlayer-2 services (typically commercial); RFoG is a technology used totransmit existing RF signals (analog/digital television signals, DOCSISsignals) over a PON; CWDM and DWDM are methods for transmitting Ethernet(and non-Ethernet signals) in a (typically) point-to-point fashion(typically used for physically secure network connectivityinstallations). While the following disclosure is presented within thecontext of EPON, GPON, RFoG, CWDM-based Ethernet, and DWDM-basedEthernet delivery, those of ordinary skill in the related arts, giventhe contents of the present disclosure, will readily appreciate that thevarious principles described herein may be used in the operation of anyoptical transport technology that traverses an ODN arranged as a PON forconnectivity between a hub (central office) and the customer premises.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the presentdisclosure are now described in detail. While these exemplaryembodiments are described in the context of a passive optical network(PON) cable system architecture, the general principles and advantagesof the disclosure may be extended to any network that multiplexesfrequency (or wavelength) signaling onto a common medium. Commonexamples of such network technologies and architectures, include withoutlimitation: broadband, narrowband, wired or wireless, terrestrial orsatellite, managed or unmanaged (or combinations thereof), or otherwise,the following therefore being merely exemplary in nature.

It will also be appreciated that while described generally in thecontext of institutional service provision (e.g. academic, commercial,government, non-profit, etc.), the present disclosure may be readilyadapted to other types of environments (e.g., home networks, etc.) aswell. Myriad other applications are possible.

Further, although described in the context of service provision over anexternally managed network, the architectures and techniques describedherein may be readily applied to internal network management. Theexternal managed network embodiments presented are merely used todemonstrate the flexibility and general applicability of the principlesdescribed herein (e.g. may be implemented with or without fulladministrator control of a network), and should not be considered in anyway limiting.

While these exemplary embodiments are described in the context of apassive optical multiplexing, combining, splitting etc., the generalprinciples and advantages of the disclosure may be extended to othertypes of optical and/or electrical signal manipulation, passive orotherwise, the following therefore being merely exemplary in nature. Forexample, in some cases, the signal manipulations may be performed withactive components. In other embodiments, the signal manipulations may beperformed in analog and/or digital domains. Still other implementationsmay incorporate other signal manipulations, such as filtering, signalreconstruction, re-clocking, etc.

Bearer Network—

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical content delivery network configuration. Thevarious components of the network 100 include (i) one or more data andapplication origination points 102; (ii) one or more content sources103, (iii) one or more application distribution servers 104; (iv) one ormore VOD servers 105, and (v) customer premises equipment (CPE) 106. Thedistribution server(s) 104, VOD servers 105 and CPE(s) 106 are connectedvia a bearer (e.g., HFC, PON) network 101. A simple architectureincluding one of each of the aforementioned components 102, 104, 105,106 is shown in FIG. 1 for simplicity, although it will be recognizedthat comparable architectures with multiple origination points,distribution servers, VOD servers, and/or CPE devices (as well asdifferent network topologies) may be utilized consistent with thepresent disclosure. For example, the headend architecture of FIG. 1a(described in greater detail below), or others, may be used.

The data/application origination point 102 includes any medium thatallows data and/or applications (such as a VOD-based or “Watch TV”application) to be transferred to a distribution server 104. This mayinclude for example a third party data source, application vendorwebsite, CD-ROM, external network interface, mass storage device (e.g.,RAID system), etc. Such transference may be automatic, initiated uponthe occurrence of one or more specified events (such as the receipt of arequest packet or ACK), performed manually, or accomplished in anynumber of other modes readily recognized by those of ordinary skill. Theapplication distribution server 104 includes a computer system wheresuch applications may enter the network system. Distribution servers arewell known in the networking arts, and accordingly not described furtherherein.

The VOD server 105 includes a computer system where on-demand contentmay be received from one or more of the aforementioned data sources 102and enter the network system. These servers may generate the contentlocally, or alternatively act as a gateway or intermediary from adistant source.

The CPE 106 includes any equipment in the “customers' premises” (orother locations, whether local or remote to the distribution server 104)that may be accessed by a distribution server 104.

Referring now to FIG. 1a , one exemplary embodiment of a headendarchitecture is described. As shown in FIG. 1a , the headendarchitecture 150 includes typical headend components and servicesincluding billing module 152, subscriber management system (SMS) and CPEconfiguration management module 154, cable-modem termination system(CMTS) and OOB system 156, as well as LAN(s) 158, 160 placing thevarious components in data communication with one another. It will beappreciated that while a bar or bus LAN topology is illustrated, anynumber of other arrangements as previously referenced (e.g., ring, star,etc.) may be used consistent with the disclosure. It will also beappreciated that the headend configuration depicted in FIG. 1a ishigh-level, conceptual architecture, and that each service provider mayhave multiple headends deployed using custom architectures.

The exemplary architecture 150 of FIG. 1a further includes amultiplexer-encrypter-modulator (MEM) 162 coupled to the HFC network 101adapted to process or condition content for transmission over thenetwork. The distribution servers 164 are coupled to the LAN 160, whichprovides access to the MEM 162 and network 101 via one or more fileservers 170. The VOD servers 105 are coupled to the LAN 160 as well,although other architectures may be employed (such as for example wherethe VOD servers are associated with a core switching device such as an802.3z Gigabit Ethernet device). As previously described, information iscarried across multiple channels. Thus, the headend must be adapted toacquire the information for the carried channels from various sources.Typically, the channels being delivered from the headend 150 to the CPE106 (“downstream”) are multiplexed together in the headend, aspreviously described and sent to neighborhood hubs via a variety ofinterposed network components.

It will also be recognized, however, that the multiplexing operation(s)need not necessarily occur at the headend 150 (e.g., in theaforementioned MEM 162). For example, in one variant, at least a portionof the multiplexing is conducted at a broadcast switched architecture(BSA) switching node or hub (see discussion of FIG. 1b providedsubsequently herein). As yet another alternative, a multi-location ormulti-stage approach may be used, such as that described in U.S. Pat.No. 7,602,820, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-STAGEMULTIPLEXING IN A NETWORK” incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety, which discloses inter alia improved multiplexing apparatus andmethods that allow such systems to dynamically compensate for content(e.g., advertisements, promotions, or other programs) that is insertedat a downstream network node such as a local hub, as well as “feed-back”and “feed forward” mechanisms for transferring information betweenmultiplexing stages.

Content (e.g., audio, video, data, files, etc.) is provided in eachdownstream (in-band) channel associated with the relevant service group.To communicate with the headend or intermediary node (e.g., hub server),the CPE 106 may use the out-of-band (OOB) or DOCSIS channels andassociated protocols. The OCAP 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 (and subsequent)specification provides for exemplary networking protocols bothdownstream and upstream, although the present disclosure is in no waylimited to these approaches.

“Switched” Networks—

FIG. 1b illustrates an exemplary “switched” network architecture. Whilea so-called “broadcast switched architecture” or BSA network isillustrated in this exemplary network architecture embodiment, it willbe recognized that the present disclosure is in no way limited to sucharchitectures.

Switching architectures allow improved efficiency of bandwidth use forordinary digital broadcast programs. Ideally, the subscriber is unawareof any difference between programs delivered using a switched networkand ordinary streaming broadcast delivery.

FIG. 1b shows the implementation details of one exemplary embodiment ofthis broadcast switched network architecture. Specifically, the headend150 contains switched broadcast control and media path functions 190,192; these element cooperating to control and feed, respectively,downstream or edge switching devices 194 at the hub site which are usedto selectively switch broadcast streams to various service groups. A BSAserver 196 is also disposed at the hub site, and implements functionsrelated to switching and bandwidth conservation (in conjunction with amanagement entity 198 disposed at the headend). An optical transportring 197 is utilized to distribute the dense wave-division multiplexed(DWDM) optical signals to each hub in an efficient fashion.

Co-owned and co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2003/0056217 filed Sep. 20, 2001 and entitled “TECHNIQUE FOR EFFECTIVELYPROVIDING PROGRAM MATERIAL IN A CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM”, incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, describes one exemplary broadcastswitched digital architecture, although it will be recognized by thoseof ordinary skill that other approaches and architectures may besubstituted.

In addition to “broadcast” content (e.g., video programming), thesystems of FIGS. 1a and 1b also deliver Internet data services using theInternet protocol (IP), although other protocols and transportmechanisms of the type well known in the digital communication art maybe substituted. One exemplary delivery paradigm includes deliveringMPEG-based video content, with the video transported to user PCs (orIP-based STBs) over the aforementioned DOC SIS channels including MPEG(or other video codec such as H.264 or AVC) over IP over MPEG. That is,the higher layer MPEG or other encoded content is encapsulated using anIP protocol, which then utilizes an MPEG packetization of the type wellknown in the art for delivery over the RF and/or optical channels. Inthis fashion, a parallel delivery mode to the normal broadcast deliveryexists; i.e., delivery of video content both over traditional downstreamchannels to the tuner of the user's STB or other receiver device forviewing on the television, and also as packetized IP data to the user'sPC or other IP-enabled device via the user's cable modem. Delivery insuch packetized modes may be unicast, multicast, or broadcast.

Referring again to FIG. 1b , the IP packets associated with Internetservices are received by edge switch 194, and in one embodimentforwarded to the cable modem termination system (CMTS) 199. The CMTSexamines the packets, and forwards packets intended for the localnetwork to the edge switch 194. Other packets are discarded or routed toanother component.

The edge switch 194 forwards the packets receive from the CMTS 199 tothe appropriate modulator 189, which transmits the packets on one ormore physical electrical and/or optical channels to the CPE. The CPE 106are each configured to monitor the particular assigned electrical oroptical channels (such as via a port or socket ID/address, or other suchmechanism) for IP packets intended for the subscriber premises/addressthat they serve.

“Passive Optical” Network (PON) Specific Considerations—

As previously alluded to, it is advantageous and/or necessary totransport multiple signal types on a single optical fiber. Typically,this is accomplished by optically multiplexing the signals according towavelength/frequency and/or time. In wavelength/frequency multiplexingschemes, each signal is assigned one or more distinctwavelength(s)/frequency(ies). In time multiplexing schemes, each signalis assigned one or more distinct time resources (e.g., a slice of timededicated to the signal). In one exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a passive optical network (PON) supports RFoG, 1G EPON, 10GEPON, and select Ethernet signals on a single optical fiber.

In one such implementation, the optical wavelength bands of interest arethe O-band (1260-1360 nm), E-band (1360-1460 nm), S-band (1460-1530 nm),C-band (1530-1565 nm), and L-band (1565-1625 nm). For example, theO-band may be assigned for use by 1 Gbps EPON and 10 Gbps EPON upstreamtransmissions. The upper E-band and S-band may be assigned to CWDM/RFoGfor 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps Ethernet transmission interleaved with the 1 GbpsEPON downstream transmission. The C-band and L-band may be used foradditional 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps Ethernet channels interleaved oralternated with RFoG upstream and downstream and/or a subset of DWDMchannels. The U-band may be assigned for use by in-service(non-disruptive) test measurements. The exemplary wavelength assignmentsare summarized in APPENDIX A.

Different optical technologies have different connectivity requirements.For example, a key parameter that must be considered is the optical lossbudget. Exemplary optical performance values for the systems addressedin this architecture are listed in APPENDIX B.

Methods—

FIG. 2 is a logical flow diagram of a generalized method for asymmetricdistribution of mixed content via a network.

At step 202 of the method 200, a plurality of different content isreceived for distribution to a plurality of M different service groupsizing splitters. In one exemplary embodiment the plurality of differentcontent includes optical content configured for distribution via apassive optical network (PON). In alternative implementations, thecontent may be electrical signaling for distribution via coaxialcabling. In still other networks, the content may be received in ahybrid domain at input (e.g., and later converted to either electricalor optical domains). In other networks, the plurality of differentservice groups may be heterogeneous mixture of coaxial and fiber opticsub scribers.

In one embodiment, the plurality of different content includes usercontent. Common examples of optical content include without limitation:1 Gbps EPON, 10 Gbps EPON, RFoG, 1 Gbps Ethernet, and/or 10 GbpsEthernet signals. More generally, the user content may be unicast,multicast, or broadcast. In some embodiments, the user content may betime division multiplexed, frequency division multiplexed, wave divisionmultiplexed, or some combination thereof. User content may include datacontent, audio content, video content, gaming data, captioning data,metadata, etc. Certain types of user content may have certainrestriction with regard to network delivery (e.g., delivery at a minimumrate, delivery at a specified time, etc.)

Various business models may apportion various amounts of bandwidth ornetwork resources to certain types of network uses over others. Forexample, some customers may require dedicated and/or secure networkconnectivity via e.g., a coarse wave division multiplexing (CWDM)connection. Other customers may purchase various levels of quality ofservice (QoS), etc. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, usercontent may be queued for delivery and/or user content may be throttledup or down in accordance with network operational status.

In one embodiment, the plurality of different content includes networkmanagement content. In one exemplary implementation, network managementcontent may include control information, broadcast information, devicediscovery signaling, user status (e.g., adding new users, deleting usersetc.), use metrics, etc. Still other types of content may include testcontent for verifying link quality and/or diagnosing problematicconnectivity. One such example is Optical Time Domain Reflectometry(OTDR), which determines the presence of a cable break and/or cablefailure based on a reflection of a transmitted signal.

In one embodiment, the plurality of different content is received fromone or more active components. As used herein, the term “activecomponent” refers to any content source whether directly involved in thegeneration of content (e.g., video on demand (VOD), broadcastprogramming, etc.), or as a gateway for content (e.g., via theInternet). In other embodiments, one or more of the plurality of contentmay be received from another user or other logical entity of thenetwork.

In one embodiment, each one of the plurality of M different servicegroup sizing splitters are coupled to each one of the plurality ofdifferent content. In other embodiments, each one of the plurality of Mdifferent service group sizing splitters are coupled to a correspondingsubset of the plurality of different content. In some embodiments, thecoupling may be dynamically changed. In some cases, the dynamic couplingmay be based on current network requirements, customer requirements,and/or current usage. For example, during some time periods, activecomponents which provide Internet access may be preferred over broadcasttelevision active components, and vice versa. In other embodiments, thecoupling may be static, or semi-static (can be changed e.g., manually,via firmware update, etc.). For example, active component technologiesor services may inherently limit service group size (e.g., dedicatedCWDM); other active component technologies may be resource constrained(e.g., rolling deployments of new services, etc.)

At step 204 of the method 200, the plurality of different subscribersare divided into service groups of N different subscribers. In someembodiments, the splitting ratio is a fixed quantity. In someembodiments, the splitting ratio is a power of two. In still somevariations, the splits symmetrically divide power among the taps. Forexample, in the exemplary embodiment, each outside plant (OSP) branch isconfigured to split according to a 1:32 ratio. Those of ordinary skillin the related arts, given the contents of the present disclosure, willreadily appreciate that asymmetric and/or non-power of two basedsplitting OSPs may be used with equal success.

In one embodiment, the service groups are a fixed function of an outsideplant (OSP). As previously noted, the OSP includes the physical plant ofthe fiber optic network and generally includes a trunk fiber(s), dropfiber(s), optical splitter(s) and similar components, and the supportinginfrastructure such as conduit(s), pole(s), cabinet(s), etc.Accordingly, the OSP may have fixed characteristics that are determineda priori, or otherwise known. Common examples of such knowncharacteristics include total throughput, total latency, path loss,customer installation sites, etc. In some cases, the OSP is plannedahead of time based on various multiple system operator (MSO)considerations. In other cases, the OSP may have been inherited fromprevious operators or installations (such as by acquisition, or re-use).

In one embodiment, the plurality of different subscribers includeresidential and commercial installations. In some embodiments, a servicegroup is a homogenous grouping of residential or commercialinstallations. In some such variants, a commercial or residentialinstallation may constitute a single dedicated service group. Suchsingular service groups may additionally be augmented with specialized,unique, and/or proprietary technologies (e.g., specialized encryptionsystems, etc.) In other embodiments, a service group is a heterogeneousgrouping of residential and commercial installations.

While the present disclosure is primarily described with respect tostatic OSP configurations, it is readily appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the related arts, that the various principlesdescribed herein may be substituted with equal success within dynamicOSP configurations. For example, where the OSP may dynamically add,alter, or remove fiber optic cabling (via e.g., mechanical switchesconfigured to enable or disable additional fiber optic routing, etc.),then the service groups of N different subscribers may be manipulatedduring operation. In other examples, the OSP may include wirelessservice, thereby enabling wireless subscribers to join or exit theservice groups. In such implementations, dynamic control over the OSPmay be controlled within software based on monitored conditions of thenetwork, customer requirements, and/or current usage. For example,during some time periods, one service group may be enlarged toaccommodate a larger number of subscribers, or shrunk to provide higherdata rates, and/or greater robustness to a limited set of subscribers,etc.

At step 206 of the method 200, the outputs of the various ones of theplurality of M different service group sizing splitters are combined fordistribution to the service groups of N different subscribers. In oneexemplary embodiment, each service group sizing splitter feeds a numberof the service groups. For example, a first service group sizingsplitter feeds a first set of service groups; each of which distributesto their respective subscribers via their corresponding OSPs; a secondservice group sizing splitter feeds a second set of service groups(which may be different than the first). In this manner, thedistribution of a particular content to subscribers is a function of theM different service group sizing splitters and the N differentsubscribers of each service group.

In one typical implementation, the combining is performed by connectingone or more service group sizing splitters to a PON combiningmultiplexer (PCM), each of which feeds to a service group. In oneexemplary embodiment, the PCM merely combines the optical inputs fromthe different service group sizing splitters into a single output tofeed its corresponding service group. Here, combining may take the formof passive combining (e.g., overlaying two or more optical signals whichare orthogonally multiplexed), or active combining (e.g., unpacking eachone of the optical inputs and multiplexing them together for delivery.Multiplexing may be based on time division multiplexing, frequencydivision multiplexing, wavelength division multiplexing, etc. In stillother embodiments, multiplexing may be performed via multicast orbroadcast (e.g., by multiplexing packet streams, frames, etc.)

In one embodiment, the connectivity between the service group sizingsplitters and their corresponding PCMs is physically static. In onetypical implementation, the service group sizing splitters and theircorresponding PCMs are manually coupled via e.g., patch cables. In otherembodiments, the service group splitters and their corresponding PCMsare coupled via dynamically (or semi-statically) configured connection(e.g., via an array of relays, switches, etc.). In certain variants, thephysical connectivity of the service group splitters and theircorresponding PCMs can by dynamically modified based on e.g., networkconsiderations, user requests, etc.

In active combining embodiments, the combining may additionally bedynamically modulated so as to throttle up or down the various ones ofthe content consistent with subscriber demand. As should be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the related arts, each PCM mayindependently adjust their content provision based on their individualservice group requirements, without affecting other service groups. Forexample, even though broadcast video may be provided to multiple PCMs, afirst PCM may have a different uptake rate of the broadcast video streamthan a second PCM.

In one such variant, the connectivity and/or combining is based on oneor more network traffic considerations. Infrastructure configurationshave maximum capacity (with regard to data throughput, bandwidth, etc.)Consequently, for network planning reasons, static connectivity and/orcombining may assume peak rate performance so as to ensure consistentservice to all subscribers in all conditions. In other variants, staticconnectivity and/or combining may balance performance and cost so as tomaximize business revenues from network resources.

At step 208 of the method 200, the combined outputs are delivered viathe outside plant (OSP) to the plurality of different subscribers.Various subscribers may have different requirements and orcharacteristics. For example, certain subscribers may be limited tocertain types of content (e.g., due to legacy compatibilityconsiderations, business considerations, customer preferenceconsiderations, etc.). In one embodiment, the plurality of differentsubscribers may be further equipped with a customer premises filter. Inone embodiment, the customer premises filter (CPF) is configured tofilter undesired wavelengths before processing the signaling of interest(e.g., to extract services for the customer). In some variants, the CPFis configured to support multiple customers; in certain implementations,the CPF may isolate a particular subscriber from the rest of its servicegroup. In other implementations, the customer premises may additionallyincorporate a firewall, router, or other similar apparatus for digitallyisolating the customer premises from other digital signals that are notof interest.

In one embodiment, the plurality of different subscribers are furtherequipped with a high reflectance device (HRD). In one exemplaryembodiment, the HRD is configured for use with network management andmonitoring services such as an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR).During normal operation, the HRD is configured to reflect a receivedsignal back to the original source. The original source can determine,based on the reflected signal whether the intervening PON has beendamaged, or otherwise compromised.

Exemplary Apparatus—

FIG. 3 is a logical block diagram of a generalized asymmetric splittingapparatus 300 configured to asymmetrically distribute a plurality ofmixed content via a network. In the illustrated embodiment, thegeneralized asymmetric splitting apparatus 300 includes a plurality ofupstream ports 302, a plurality of downstream ports 304, an array ofservice group sizing splitters 306, and an array of combiningmultiplexers 308. Those of ordinary skill in the related arts willreadily appreciate that other constituent components may be presentwithin the generalized asymmetric splitting apparatus 300, the foregoingbeing purely illustrative. In one such variant, the generalizedasymmetric splitting apparatus 300 further comprises a processor 310 anda non-transitory computer readable medium 312 comprising instructionsthat are configured to be executed by the processor 310.

As shown the upstream ports 302 and downstream ports 304 are eachconfigured to couple to optical fiber. Each upstream port 302 isconfigured to receive a content stream from an upstream device (such asan active component). In one exemplary embodiment, each downstream port304 is configured to directly connect to a passive optical network(PON). In one exemplary deployment, the generalized asymmetric splittingapparatus 300 is deployed in a field-hardened and powered enclosure at aheadend location, such as in or near a cable-modem termination system(CMTS). As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, one tangiblebenefit of such deployments is that the physical configuration andmaintenance of the generalized asymmetric splitting apparatus 300 can beperformed at a central location, without adversely affecting thediversity of different services provided to subscribers at edges of thenetwork.

Referring back to FIG. 3, in one exemplary embodiment, the serving groupsizing splitter 306 is configured to split a received optical contentstream into one or more output streams. In one exemplary embodiment, thesplitting is a passive power splitter having a fixed splitting ratio. Insome embodiments, the splitting ratio is a power of two. In still somevariations, the splits symmetrically divide power among the taps. Forexample, a 1:2 splitting ratio would divide the input power in half.Those of ordinary skill in the related arts, given the contents of thepresent disclosure, will readily appreciate that active splitting (i.e.,where the signal is replicated actively reproduced as multiple copies),asymmetric, and/or non-power of two based splitting may be used withequal success.

The combining multiplexers 308 are configured to receive an opticalinput signal and passively combine the optical power over a number ofoutput taps. In one variant, the resulting output is a proportionatelysummed signal from the input optical signaling. Alternative variants mayunevenly allocate power statically or dynamically so as to e.g., supportasymmetric networks (e.g., where one tap must traverse a longer distancethan the others, etc.), improve performance of a particular link, etc.Those of ordinary skill in the related arts will readily appreciate thatactive variants may additionally provide signal conditioning and/orincrease signal power.

While the foregoing discussion is primarily described with respect to astatic or fixed configuration, it is readily acknowledged that variousaspects of the present disclosure may be further improved byincorporating dynamic management capabilities. To these ends, certainembodiments of the present disclosure may additionally incorporate oneor more processors 310 and non-transitory computer readable media 312.In such variants, the non-transitory computer readable media 312 mayinclude one or more instructions which when executed by the processorsis configured to cause the processor to perform a variety of functionsincluding without limitation: configuration/connectivity of the servicegroup sizing splitting and PON combining multiplexor based on inputreceived from a network operator, monitored network performance, trafficcontrol, and/or identification of network issues.

For example, in some embodiments the processor may be configured tocause the generalized asymmetric splitting apparatus 300 toadd/remove/or swap connectivity of the uplink Additionally, in somevariants, the processor may be configured to cause the generalizedasymmetric splitting apparatus 300 to increase/decrease oramplify/attenuate optical uplink and/or downlink signals correspondingto any ones of the plurality of content. Those of ordinary skill in therelated arts, given the contents of the present disclosure, willrecognize that the intensity (power) of the optical uplink signalreceived from the communication resource degrades as a function of therelative distance between the communication resource and the splittingratio. For example, an ONU which is farther from the activesplitter/combiner apparatus will experience larger attenuations inoptical intensity than a closer ONU. By accentuating, or diminishing thereceived inputs from each of the communication resources, thegeneralized asymmetric splitting apparatus 300 can change the “apparent”distance between the upstream device and the communication resource. Asthose of ordinary skill in the related arts will readily appreciate,significant amplification of the intensity of a received upstreamoptical signal can enable much greater distances than traditional PONscould support.

While amplification of the received inputs provides some benefit, thereare drawbacks as well. Optical transmitters and receivers have practicalpower limitations, and in some cases can fail to operate (or be damaged)by excessive power. Accordingly, certain embodiments may adjust power soas to optimize operation within those constraints. For example, in onesuch case operation ensures that the signaling received from each of thecommunication resources is approximately equivalent (so as to providee.g., uniformity of service). As a brief aside, the array of PONcombiner elements 308 are configured to directly combine (sum) thereceived optical uplink signals. If one or more of the optical signalsis of substantially higher power than the other signals, then theresulting output may be disproportionately dominated by the higher powersignal. For similar reasons, the array of service group sizing splitters306 may have power limitations and/or optical amplification limitations.Accordingly, variants of the present disclosure are configured toautomatically equalize the power corresponding to each of thecommunication resources. Alternatively, certain embodiments may beconfigured to preferentially “boost” inputs from certain communicationresources so as to e.g., provide more robust signaling, etc.

In some embodiments, the generalized asymmetric splitting apparatus 300may be configured to provide diagnostic information for networktroubleshooting. Generally, it is appreciated that the uplink anddownlink cabling losses are roughly symmetric. Since the asymmetricsplitting apparatus 300 is connected via point-to-point linkages to eachof its serviced communication resources, performance degradation that isspecific to a particular communication resource can be quicklyidentified by e.g., sniffing reflected traffic with an optical timedomain reflectometer (OTDR) and corresponding high reflectance device(HRD) at a customer premises, etc. The ability to quickly pinpoint linkissues enables network service technicians to efficiently resolvepotential connectivity issues (e.g., problems with cabling etc.)

In some embodiments, generalized asymmetric splitting apparatus 300 maybe further configured to correct link issues. For example, in one suchvariant, the generalized asymmetric splitting apparatus 300 recognizesan issue with one or multiple of the downstream PONs (based on e.g., atransmission of an erroneous or interfering modulated content, otherundesirable optical signal behaviors, etc.) Responsively, generalizedasymmetric splitting apparatus 300 is configured to disable and/ormodify the splitting ratios and/or connectivity such that downstreamreception can continue (e.g., via a redundant path, etc.).

Still other improvements and configurations enabled by incorporatingdynamic management capabilities will be made readily apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the related arts, given the contents of the presentdisclosure.

Exemplary Operation—

As previously alluded to, service providers offer commercial andresidential voice, video and Internet access and commercial virtualprivate network services, via passive optical networks (PONs). Serviceproviders seek to maximize the utilization of the PON's capacity, wherecapacity of a PON is a function of the number of users serviced, thenumber of wavelengths on each fiber strand, and the data transmissionrate. FIG. 4 is a logical block diagram representation of one exemplaryoptical distribution network (ODN), in accordance with the presentdisclosure. While the following exemplary discussion is framed withinthe context of a single PON that is configured to distribute opticalsignals for 1 Gbps EPON, 10 Gbps EPON, RFoG and one or more 1 GbpsEthernet, 10 Gbps Ethernet signals, those of ordinary skill in therelated arts will readily appreciate that the following discussions aremerely illustrative of the general principles described herein.Similarly, the following discussion is based on the common off-the-shelfsplitting, combining, and multiplexing components (e.g., opticalsplitters that support split ratios of 1:32), various other componentsmay be readily substituted by those of ordinary skill in the relatedarts, given the contents of the present disclosure.

As a brief aside, the ODN is configured to carry multipleuser-technologies over a single fiber from the headend to a drop segment(customer premises). Multiple signal sources coupled to the headend andtheir signals must be multiplexed onto a single trunk fiber fortransmission to the customer premises. Before entering the customerpremises the multiplexed signal must be split from the trunk fiber andtransmitted on the drop segment toward the user. The split isaccomplished using an optical splitter installed within the OSP. Thetrunk fiber is terminated at the optical splitter and each of the dropfiber segments is connected to one of the splitter output ports. Sincethere are multiple wavelengths and multiple users on the optical path,the individual users should be isolated from one another to enhancesecurity and prevent interference from corrupting the optical signals.Isolation in the optical domain is accomplished by filtering theunnecessary wavelengths such that only the required wavelength(s) areable to traverse the drop segment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the optical distribution network (ODN) can belogically represented by discrete logical entities and theircorresponding functions. Specifically, these include: active components402, PON combining components 404, PON monitoring/testing components406, the outside plant (OSP) 408, and the customer premises 410.

Active components 402 are coupled to and/or reside within the headend;each active component 402 manages and/or provides a correspondinguser-technology that is transported on the ODN. In the illustratedembodiment, the active components 402 include one or more of: 1 GbpsEPON optical line terminal (OLTs), 10 Gbps EPON OLTs, RFoG transmittersand receivers, and CWDM and DWDM transceivers (e.g., attached to anEthernet switch or router).

The PON combining block 404 is the optical aggregation (i.e., combining)point for the downstream optical signals that are transmitted by theactive components 402. The PON combining block 404 also de-aggregates(i.e., splits) the upstream signals and routes the upstream signals totheir appropriate active component 402. The PON combining block alsosets the service group size (each serving group is composed of a numberof customers) for each user-technology.

The PON monitor/test block 406 may include any of a number of componentsthat could be used to monitor or test the network. Common examples ofmonitor/test components include, without limitation: optical powermeters, optical spectrum analyzers, Ethernet test sets and EPON testsets. While the present disclosure treats the PON monitor/test block 406as an entity that is distinct from other active components 402, it isreadily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the related arts thatsome implementations may logically incorporate monitor/test functionswithin the active components 402.

As previously noted, the outside plant 408 (OSP) encompasses thephysical plant of the fiber optic network and generally includes a trunkfiber(s), drop fiber(s), optical splitter(s) and similar components, andthe supporting infrastructure such as conduit(s), pole(s), cabinet(s),etc. The customer premises is the physical or geographic location atwhich the customer wishes to receive service; generally the customerpremises include without limitation: optical network units (ONUs),gateways, firewalls, consumer premises equipment (CPE), etc.

Service Group Splitting—

As previously alluded to, the PON combining block 404 is configured toflexibly adjust service group sizing and distribution for eachuser-technology independently from the other user-technologies. As usedherein, the term “PON service group” refers to the stations which arecommonly connected to the OSP. For example, in one exemplary embodiment,the PON service group sizes are directly related to the optical splitratios used in the ODN; thus, if the OSP employs a 1:32 split ratio,then the PON service group size is 32.

Each user-technology that is connected to the PON (e.g., servicesprovided via the active components 402) has a corresponding servicegroup size. As used herein, the term “active component's service group”refers to the consumer premises equipment (CPE) stations connectedthrough the ODN to that active component 402. Like the PON servicegroup, each active component service group has a corresponding servicegroup size. The active component service group size will be apositive-integer multiple of the PON service group size.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, one exemplary PON combining block 404 isillustrated. As shown, the active component service group size can beincreased in multiples of the PON service group by introducing a servicegroup optical splitter 502 between the active components 402 and anarray of PON combining multiplexers (PCM) 504. Since each activecomponent 402 has an individual splitter, the service group size foreach active component 402 is independent of the other active components402. As should be made readily apparent by FIG. 5A, the active componentservice group is M×N customers, where M is the number of splits at theservice group optical splitter 502, and N is the number of splits at theOSP. In one exemplary embodiment, the power split ratio is symmetric(i.e., evenly split between the taps) and the spitting ratio is a powerof 2 (e.g., 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, etc.)

In the illustrated embodiment, the RFoG active component 402A isconnected to 4 PON service groups, each of which has a 1:N splittingratio that results in an RFoG service group of 4N; if the splittingratio is 1:32, then the service group has a total size of 128 endpoints.Two 1G EPONs (402B, 402C) are each connected to 2 PON service groups,thus each one services 2N subscribers. The 10G EPN (402D) is connectedto 3 PON service groups, and services 3N subscribers. Two CWDMcomponents (402E, 402F) each are singly connected to a PON, and thus areeach limited to 1 PON service group apiece.

FIG. 5B is a logical block diagram representation of one exemplary PONcombining multiplexer (PCM) 504. In one exemplary embodiment, the PCM504 comprises an optical multiplexer 552 and an optical splitter 554. Inone such variant, the optical multiplexer is configured to combine aplurality of optical signals onto a single common PON fiber (COM). Asshown, the PCM may be configured to multiplex one or more of e.g., 10GEPON, 1G EPON, RFOG (downstream and upstream), one or more wavelengthsof CWDM, and/or OTDR signaling.

In one implementation, the optical multiplexer 552 is configured topassively combine optical signals; in other embodiments the opticalmultiplexer 554 is configured to actively combine optical signals whichmodifies one or more characteristics of the optical signals (e.g., so asto amplify, attenuate, etc.) In some variants, the optical multiplexer552 must be manually coupled to the appropriate optical signal source(e.g., by physically connecting the optical signals to the correspondinginput terminals); in other variants, the optical multiplexer 552 isconfigured to dynamically enable or disable various ones of theplurality of optical signals (e.g., based on network configuration,etc.)

In one implementation, the optical splitter 554 is configured to dividean optical signal into two or more outputs. Optical splitting istypically performed passively; the optical signal is evenly split intotwo or more duplicate optical signals into a number of taps (generally,a power of two, e.g., 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, etc.) However, those of ordinaryskill in the related arts will readily appreciate that otherimplementations may incorporate uneven splitting, and/or non-binarysplitting (e.g., 1:3, 1:5, etc.) In the illustrated embodiment, theoptical splitter 554 is configured to generate two copies of the opticalsignal output of the optical multiplexer 552. The first copy of theoptical signal output is transmitted or otherwise propagated to thecustomer premises via the OSP (see FIG. 5A, supra). The second copy maybe examined via monitoring apparatus to ensure proper operation. In somecases, monitoring may be unnecessary, and the output of the opticalmultiplexer 552 may be directly routed to the OSP. In other variants,optical splitter 554 may generate multiple copies for a variety ofpurposes (so as to e.g., provide failover service for another PCM,service multiple service groups, etc.)

While the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5B is coupled to all possibletechnologies (e.g., 1 Gbps EPON, 10 Gbps EPON, RFoG and a limited set ofCWDM or DWDM channels), it is appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe related arts that other configurations may be economically feasiblein other cost sensitive deployments. For example, in one such variant,the PCM does not include the 1 Gbps EPON port under the assumption that10 Gbps EPON is the preferred PON technology and RFoG is required forvideo delivery. A lower cost option may support both 10 Gbps EPON andRFoG, but not CWDM and 1 Gbps EPON. Such variants might be useful ingeographic areas with no or a very small commercial population. Stillanother variant may support 1 Gbps EPON, 10 Gbps EPON, and RFoG, so asto accommodate migration and coexistence when needed (without CWDM).

Customer Premises Filter—

Those of ordinary skill in the related arts will readily appreciate thatthe ODN carries multiple wavelengths from the headend to the customerpremises, only a portion of which are for the customer. Accordingly, inone aspect of the present disclosure, the customer premises equipment(CPE) is configured to filter undesired wavelengths before processingthe signaling of interest (e.g., to extract services for the customer).In one exemplary embodiment, the CPE includes an opticalmultiplexer/filter, referred to as the customer premises filter (CPF).

FIG. 6A-6C illustrate three (3) distinct implementations of theexemplary CPF. Unlike a PON combining multiplexers (PCM), the exemplaryCPF combines the RFoG upstream and downstream signals on the same outputport.

As shown in FIG. 6A, in the first variant, the CPF 600 may be integratedwith the RFoG ONU 602 at a customer premises location. In one suchvariant, an integrated 10G EPON filter/MUX 604 is configured to filterout all wavelengths other than those used for 10G EPON 606 and RFOG 608.The resulting optical signaling is combined and output via the commonoutput 610.

FIG. 6B illustrates a second variant characterized by a standalone CPF620 which does not include an RFoG ONU. The standalone CPF 620 includesan RFoG port 608 and a 10G EPON port 606. By decoupling the RFoG ONUfrom the standalone CPF 620, the standalone CPF 620 can be a usefulalternative for residential installations when either RFoG is notavailable, or for use with a third party (or other external) RFoG ONU.Such applications may arise in residential installations and somecommercial installations. As with FIG. 6A, the CPF 620 combines theoutput via the common output 610.

FIG. 6C illustrates a third variant characterized by a standalone CPF630, which incorporates a RFoG port 608, a 10G EPON 606, a 1G EPON port632, and an Express port 634. The standalone CPF 630 is primarily forcommercial installations. In some implementations, a coarse wavedivision multiplexing (CWDM) filter is also installed on the Expressport 634 when required by the specific application.

As a brief aside, the optical fiber network can additionally incorporatetesting signals within the PON combining. For example, an Optical TimeDomain Reflectometer (OTDR) can be coupled to the optical fiber networkas an active component for troubleshooting. Since, an OTDR characterizesthe optical fiber network by detecting discontinuities in the opticalfiber span based on signals that are reflected back from an endpoint,OTDR operation can be frustrated when the fiber is connected in a pointto multi-point configuration (e.g., PON type configurations). Moredirectly, a multi-point configuration may create multiple reflections ofvarying intensity that interfere with the OTDR operation. In oneexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the customer premisesincludes a high reflectance device (HRD) to enhance the OTDR'scapabilities in a PON environment.

In one such embodiment, the HRD is installed as a separate componentcoupled to the common output 610 of a CPF. Installing the HRD at thecommon output 610 of a CPF enables the installation technician to selectand install the appropriate CPF separately from the HRD. This avoids thenecessity of dispatching an outside plant (OSP) specialist to install orreconfigure a filter each time a customer is added to the network. Insome cases, the CPF and HRD are installed at an OSP demarcation locationon the customer premises. In still other embodiments, the HRD isinstalled in splice enclosures or pedestals.

It will be recognized that while certain aspects of the disclosure aredescribed in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, thesedescriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of thedisclosure, and may be modified as required by the particularapplication. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional undercertain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality maybe added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance oftwo or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to beencompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the disclosure as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Theforegoing description is of the best mode presently contemplated ofcarrying out the disclosure. This description is in no way meant to belimiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the generalprinciples of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure should bedetermined with reference to the claims.

It will be appreciated that while certain steps and aspects of thevarious methods and apparatus described herein may be performed by ahuman being, the disclosed aspects and individual methods and apparatusare generally computerized/computer-implemented. Computerized apparatusand methods are necessary to fully implement these aspects for anynumber of reasons including, without limitation, commercial viability,practicality, and even feasibility (i.e., certain steps/processes simplycannot be performed by a human being in any viable fashion).

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory computer-readable apparatushaving a storage medium comprising at least one computer program, the atleast one program having a plurality of instructions configured to, whenexecuted by a computerized apparatus, cause the computerized apparatusto: assign a plurality of subscriber devices of an optical network to aplurality of service groups, each of the plurality of service groupsassociated with a respective amount of network resources apportionedthereto; associate, based on data representative of one or more networkconditions, each of a plurality of first optical splitters to arespective portion of one or more digitally rendered content elements;and transmit the one or more digitally rendered content elements to atleast one of the plurality of service groups via a second opticalsplitter disposed at a different node of the optical network from theplurality of first optical splitters.
 2. The non-transitorycomputer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofinstructions are further configured to, when executed by thecomputerized apparatus, cause the computerized apparatus to: determinean optical signal power for the transmission of the one or moredigitally rendered content elements; and allocate at least a portion ofthe optical signal power to a transmission link correlated to the atleast one of the plurality of service groups based on one or more of (i)a distance corresponding to each of the at least one of the plurality ofservice groups (ii) performance of the transmission link.
 3. Thenon-transitory computer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein theassociation of each of the plurality of first optical splitters to theone or more digitally rendered content elements comprises adetermination of a type of the digitally rendered content.
 4. Thenon-transitory computer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein theplurality of instructions are further configured to, when executed bythe computerized apparatus, cause the computerized apparatus to:generate a copy of at least a portion of the one or more digitallyrendered content elements; and use the copy to enable a failover servicefor a network component disposed within the optical network.
 5. Thenon-transitory computer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein thetransmitted one or more digitally rendered content elements comprisenetwork management content data, the network management content datacomprising data representative of (i) a current status of the pluralityof subscriber devices, (ii) a quality of a transmission link, and (iii)a presence of a physical defect of the transmission link.
 6. Thenon-transitory computer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein theplurality of instructions are further configured to, when executed bythe computerized apparatus, cause the computerized apparatus to: limit afirst portion of the plurality of subscriber devices to a first portionof the one or more digitally rendered content elements, the limitationbased at least on one or more capabilities corresponding to each of thefirst portion of the plurality of subscriber devices; and cause theplurality of subscriber devices to filter one or more wavelengths beforeprocessing the one or more digitally rendered content elements forconsumption by a subscriber of the first portion of the plurality ofsubscriber devices.
 7. The non-transitory computer-readable apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of instructions are further configuredto, when executed by the computerized apparatus, cause the computerizedapparatus to: before the transmission of the one or more digitallyrendered content elements to the at least one of the plurality ofservice groups, cause an evaluation of one or more signals correspondingto the transmission, the evaluation comprising a detection of physicaldiscontinuities in an optical transmission fiber, the detection beingbased on a reflection of the one or more signals.
 8. The non-transitorycomputer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the each of theplurality of first optical splitters is configured to receive the one ormore digitally rendered content elements from an active networkcomponent via an upstream port.
 9. A method for asymmetricallydistributing digital content via a passive optical network, the passiveoptical network comprising a plurality of user devices divided into aplurality of service groups, the method comprising: combining aplurality of digital content elements received from at least one firstoptical splitter to produce a combined output; determining a splittingratio based at least on data relating to one or more networkcapabilities of infrastructure associated with at least one secondoptical splitter; using the determined splitting ratio to cause thedivision of the plurality of user devices into the plurality of servicegroups; and delivering the combined output via the at least one secondoptical splitter to one or more of the plurality of service groups, theat least one second optical splitter being configured to receive anddeliver the combined output to individual ones of the plurality of userdevices according to the determined splitting ratio, each of theindividual ones of the plurality of user devices being associated with arespective one of the one or more of the plurality of service groups.10. The method of claim 9, wherein the delivering of the combined outputfurther comprises delivering the combined output based at least on anallocation of a first amount of bandwidth to a first one of theplurality of service groups, the first amount of bandwidth beingdifferent than a second amount of bandwidth allocated to a second one ofthe plurality of service groups.
 11. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising apportioning one or more network resources based at least onone or more network operational parameters related to user demand forcontent.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising performing one of(i) amplifying an optical signal power, or (ii) attenuating the opticalsignal power, according at least to a respective physical distancebetween the at least one second optical splitter and a user premisecorrelated to each of the individual ones of the plurality of userdevices, the amplifying or attenuating the optical signal powercorresponding to the combined output delivered to the individual ones ofthe plurality of user devices.
 13. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: generating one or more copies of data representative of thecombined output; and delivering a first one of the one or more copies tothe one or more of the plurality of service groups, and enabling afailover service using a second one of the one or more copies.
 14. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising: receiving a signal reflected fromat least some of the individual ones of the plurality of user devices,the reflected signal comprising data representative of diagnosticinformation related to the passive optical network; and based on thedata representative of diagnostic information related to the passiveoptical network, modifying the splitting ratio associated with the atleast one second optical splitter.
 15. A method for distributing digitalcontent via a passive optical network (PON), the method comprising:receiving a plurality of digital content elements from a first opticalsplitter, the first optical splitter comprising M number of splits;combining the plurality of digital content elements to produce aplurality of combined outputs; apportioning a plurality of users dividedinto a plurality of service groups, a given service group of theplurality of service groups comprising M×N users; and delivering theplurality of combined outputs via at least two second optical splittersto a plurality of user premises within the plurality of service groupsaccording to at least two split ratios associated with respective onesof the at least two second optical splitters, the respective splitratios associated with the at least two second optical splitters eachcomprising a 1:N ratio, where N comprises an integer of a power of two.16. The method of claim 15, wherein the delivering of the plurality ofdigital content elements comprises adjusting a delivery rate based atleast on one or more of (i) a change in demand from one or more of aplurality of users and (ii) level of data traffic in the PON.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the delivering of the plurality of combinedoutputs comprises delivering through a customer premises filter, thecustomer premises filter being configured to exclude one or morewavelengths based on one or more services desired by a plurality ofsubscribers associated with the plurality of user premises.
 18. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising: detecting a reflected signalfrom a reflectance device of at least a portion of the plurality of userpremises; and diagnosing the PON based on the reflected signal, thediagnosing comprising evaluating the reflected signal with areflectometer.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising, based onthe diagnosing the PON based on the reflected signal, modifying thesplit ratio associated with at least a respective one of the at leasttwo second optical splitters.